Viking Prints is set to open the doors of its new premises for the first time on Saturday 9 November thanks to Havant Borough Council’s innovative Vacant Shop Scheme grant.
In a bid to encourage more footfall into Park Parade and Greywell shopping area in Leigh Park the scheme, launched earlier this year, invited businesses and community organisations who were thinking of relocating or expanding to apply for the grant.
The Mayor of Havant is set to cut the ribbon to mark the opening of Viking Print at 10:30am at their new larger shop in Greywell.
The independent print service, which also produces custom-designed T-shirts was awarded a grant of £30,000 to relocate and refit a larger unit within the precinct that more than doubles their current square footage and keeps the business in Leigh Park.
Sean Logan, the owner of Viking Prints in Leigh Park says he wouldn’t be where he is now without the support of Havant Borough Council.
Sean said: "We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity provided by the council’s Vacant Shop Scheme. This initiative has allowed us to expand our business and contribute more to the vibrant community of Leigh Park. We look forward to welcoming new customers and becoming a bigger part of the community."
“We invite everyone to join us for our grand opening event on Saturday 9 November at 10:30am. The event will feature special promotions and a ribbon-cutting ceremony by the Mayor of Havant, Councillor Peter Wade. It's a celebration of community spirit and a step towards a brighter future for our high street."
Councillor Gillian Harris, Cabinet Lead for Regeneration and Communities, said “The Vacant Shop Scheme has played a pivotal role in allowing this small business to expand. By repurposing empty retail spaces and giving businesses a chance to thrive, this initiative is helping rejuvenate our shopping centre and support local economies. We are thrilled to be a part of this positive change.”
Havant Borough Council's Corporate Strategy outlines three themes of wellbeing, pride in place, and growth. The growth theme is centre on building a better future by growing our local economy and aims to do this by enabling and facilitating regeneration in our borough. The vacant shop scheme will help to deliver this by helping to bring about improvements to our town centres.
Grants range from £1,000 to a maximum of £50,000, depending on the size of the unit, and can be used for capital enhancements, shop fitout costs, or equipment, and the council is keen to hear from more entrepreneurs keen to establish a business in Leigh Park Shopping Centre
For more information on the Vacant Shop scheme and to apply, please visit www.havant.gov.uk/regeneration-and-business.